Romario: ‘Baresi the toughest player I ever faced in my career’ Brazil legend Romario has paid tribute to Italy and Milan defender Franco Baresi. ‘I can say it without a single doubt, he was the toughest player I faced in my career.’ The pair clashed in the 1994 World Cup Final , when Baresi was just three weeks on from a meniscus injury and making his miraculous comeback in that game. The defender managed to completely neutralise the threat from Romario, as the tie went to penalties, won by Brazil in Pasadena. Baresi died at the age of 66 following a battle with cancer and the tributes have been flooding in from every corner of the globe, including Brazil. Romario hails the greatest Baresi LOS ANGELES, USA – JULY 17: Romario of Brazil and Franco Baresi of Italy in action during the World Cup final match between Brazil and Italy on July 17, 1994 in Los Angeles, USA. (Photo by Lutz Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images) “Guys, today football woke up a lot sadder with the death of Franco Baresi. “When I was playing for PSV Eindhoven, I faced Milan twice, and I could already tell that Baresi was incredible. Then we met again in the 1994 World Cup Final, one of the most important matches of our lives. “I can say it without a single doubt, he was the toughest player I faced in my career. “In 1997, I had the honour of participating in his farewell game. The guy was on another level! He was a symbol of Milan and the Italy team. One of the greatest defenders in history. “I send my respect for everything he did for football, and my affection to his family and friends. May the Heavenly Father welcome him in peace. Vale, Baresi.” View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Romário (@romariofaria) Romario was also playing for the Barcelona side that lost the 1994 European Cup Final 4-0 to Milan in Athens, but Baresi was suspended that day. The other meetings mentioned at club level were both PSV Eindhoven defeats to Milan in December 1992 and April 1993.
